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Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment provides a clinically detailed, evidence-based, and exhaustive examination of a topic rarely plumbed in psychiatry texts, despite the fact that co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders are common. The authors argue for a more holistic and integrated approach, calling for clinicians to tactfully but persistently evaluate patients for a broad range of co-occurring disorders before determining appropriate treatment. Focusing on a substance use disorder in isolation, without determining whether another psychiatric disorder is co-occurring, can doom treatment efforts, and the reverse also is true. To help clinicians keep the big picture in mind, the book is organized around 18 cases, each of which addresses a particular diagnostic skill (e.g., assessment), group of disorders commonly comorbid with substance use disorders (e.g., PTSD, eating disorders), specific treatment (e.g., pharmacological interventions), or special population (e.g., adolescents). This case-based approach makes it easy for readers to understand strategies and master transferable techniques when dealing with their own patients.

Because the initial face-to-face sessions are especially important with this patient population, the book includes chapters on the diagnostic assessment and the initial interview, as well as offering interviewing tips throughout to help the clinician develop the necessary care and skill in this arena. Also included is a chapter on integrating motivational interviewing into the treatment.

Each of the 18 cases stands alone, allowing the reader flexibility in using the text. For example, the 18 cases and discussions can be read sequentially, or as needed, depending on the reader's special interest or current need.

The book also features chapters on how to effectively work with patients whose disorders might be affecting other members of a patient's family, since the likelihood of a successful outcome is enhanced if an integrated treatment plan is developed for their co-occurring disorders.

The questions that accompany each chapter can be used as an organizational tool prior to reading or to test knowledge and comprehension afterward.

The text is completely up-to date and provides DSM-5 diagnostic information essential to each case.

Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment offers a straightforward approach to people with complicated presentations, offering mental health clinicians the skills they require to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat these patients and their families.

The editors of this casebook entitled, Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment provide 18 cases and discussions contributed by many major clinical researchers and practicing clinicians in addictions. These chapters form a nice set of clinical guidelines that a trainee can be read straight through or a more seasoned clinician might start with a case that sounds interesting because of a specific interest. The accompanying key points and questions with each chapter can be used to test your knowledge after you have read the chapter or to help organize your reading. Tables in each chapter are very helpful summaries of key treatment points with pharmacotherapy and specific types of psychotherapy such as Motivational Interviewing in chapter 12. Overall, this casebook is delightful reading that moves along quickly and offers insightful pointers on individualized therapy for these challenging and instructive cases. I highly recommend it for both trainees and experienced clinicians looking for new insights into treating these challenging patients. —Thomas Kosten, M.D., Waggoner Chair and Professor of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Immunology & Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey VAMC, Houston, TX

The book you are holding in your hands promises a “practical guide to complexity.” What a tall order! And yet it delivers exactly that. It is succinct, authoritative, thoroughly researched, and beautifully written. —Petros Levounis, M.D., M.A., Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Chief of Service, University Hospital, Newark, NJ

John W. Barnhill, M.D.,is DeWitt Wallace Senior Scholar, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Medical Ethics, and Vice Chair for Psychosomatic Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, in New York, New York.

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